There was no reply to that, it was true after all.
A minute later, Catherine continued, ‘It’s not a mistake, you can’t change it and it must have happened for a reason. But, Caitlin is volatile. I’m good at sensing these things. She reminds me of your mother.’
‘She is nothing like my mother, anything but that,’ Steven blurted, his anger surprised him.
‘Don’t get me wrong, I just think she might be reckless at the moment. She is wild, you were not like that.’ She tapped her finger on the steering wheel.
He knew she was right. He might have wanted to escape, but he never wanted to kill. Caitlin was different, he could not deny it. ‘How do I help her?’
‘We take her back with us, we teach her to maintain control. In time, she’ll learn. But, at least she has you. Remember, the community is supportive. Emily had no-one, it did not help her. She never allowed anyone in, not even Anna.’
Steven found the fact Anna was Emily’s twin fascinating. Their personalities were so different.
‘I do have something to tell you though. There has been a development,’ she paused.
‘What do you mean?’ Steven eyed her through the corner of his eye. He did not like the sound of that.
‘The community is going to split, and I’m leaving with a select group to make a new start in Borneo. It could be an option for you. It’s not going to be easy, we need hard workers. You could come with us, have a fresh start.’
Steven’s jaw slackened, it sounded too good to be true, ‘Really?’
Catherine’s face broke out into a broad smile, ‘Well, I wouldn’t have told you if I didn’t mean it. Interested?’
‘Of course, it could be just what we need. A new life, a new place, we could help with anything you need. You think the others would mind?’
‘It would be for the best. In fact, a part of me wonders if you should really come back at all. We could keep Caitlin a secret for a while,’ she paused. ‘Then again, it would be foolish. She has so much to learn, as do you for that matter – what were my parents thinking? No, you’ll have to come back. You need to learn as much as possible so that we can replicate the community in Borneo.’
Steven focused ahead, his hands clasped together. It was a lifeline. At last, something to be excited about. Something he could work towards. He hoped Caitlin would also be up for the challenge, the old Caitlin would have been. The newer version could not be that different from the Caitlin he knew.
***
Ingrid stared at the gravestones with Isaac and Eilif at her side. ‘Why do you think they gave up on life?’
Eilif shrugged his shoulders. ‘Rumour says they would’ve died anyway. Is that true, Isaac?’
‘Apparently, Judith had not been well for a while.’ Isaac turned to face Eilif, ‘Human blood might have healed her, but we think she was dying anyway. I think it was the same for Jeff, even though he died after Judith. I have to admit that I don’t feel any different, but then I was much younger than they were.’
‘Or is it just because they were different – Judith was changed by Jeff, the bats changed Jeff. Was she weaker maybe?’ Ingrid hoped she was right. If she was it meant Caitlin would also be weaker, and that could only be a good thing as far as she was concerned.
‘Another puzzle for us to solve and investigate,’ Eilif mused.
‘We can trust you, Ingrid, I hope,’ Isaac said, he glanced at her, his eyes narrowed.
Ingrid was offended at the suggestion, but she knew she had acted irrationally earlier with her crazy outburst. ‘You have always been able to trust me. I will not let you down now.’
Eilif smiled, and nodded in Isaac’s direction, ‘My daughter has never let us down. She is one of our best. Love has a habit of bringing out the worst in people.’
‘It certainly does that,’ Ingrid said, she was amused yet annoyed. She could not believe she had fallen for the one man that was not interested in her. She had rejected so many in the past, she was not used to being on the receiving end. It hurt.
‘Look, even though we know Caitlin is still in the house I don’t like leaving her. I need you both to erase Caitlin’s existence. Can you do that?’ Isaac asked.
Ingrid watched her dad agree, and looked forward to delving into Caitlin’s past as they made her disappear. She wondered what she would find, with luck something would make her seem not as perfect as Steven obviously thought she was. She could hope.
With one final glance at the gravestones, Ingrid felt a shiver run down her spine. She had never thought much about death, and now it was a possibility. Either way, she still had many years ahead of her, and she would not refuse human blood to heal – ever. As she walked back to the house, she mulled over the fact that Steven had made her feel guilty for a time. She was sure she was over it now. She was not going to apologise for what she was. It was stupid to feel remorse over something she could not really control.
‘I’m going to go do some research and use that iPad device, it looked interesting,’ Isaac said, there was a definite glint in his eye.
Ingrid was used to the fascination by now. Gadgets and scientists went hand in hand.
‘I’ll go and get the car ready,’ Eilif said.
Ingrid nodded and went upstairs to get her bag. She liked having her things with her. Even though her bag mainly consisted of rubbish, it was her rubbish.
As she got to the landing, she saw the door at the end of the hallway open and Caitlin walked out.
She was pretty, Ingrid had to give her that. She was shorter than Ingrid, with a slim, petite build. It was the hair that made her stand out. A vibrant red, curls that hung everywhere. As she got closer, Ingrid noticed her eyes were deep blue, the colour of the ocean. She fought hard to find something she did not like about her. But even when Caitlin smiled at her, she melted. There was something about Caitlin that compelled her to like her. She resented the fact and did her best to come across hostile. She would not smile back.
‘Ingrid, right?’ Caitlin asked, her smile broader – if that were possible.
‘Yes.’ A curt reply, Ingrid convinced herself she could do this.
‘I love your hair, I’ve always been jealous of blonde girls with straight hair.’ Caitlin picked a strand of her hair up and frowned. ‘I have this! I hate it, you’re so lucky.’
And with that Ingrid smiled, annoyed at herself for doing so. ‘Thanks.’ She cursed inwardly again, she was not meant to be nice to her.
‘I know you probably hate me and all, but it really isn’t my fault… you know, about Steven. Why he would like me over… err… I mean. Oh, you know what I mean… you know you’re gorgeous, right?’ Caitlin laughed again, it was of the infectious variety.
Ingrid grinned, she could not stop herself. ‘You’re not like I expected, I wanted to hate you.’
‘Sorry about that, I tend to say what comes to my head,’ Caitlin sighed, ‘I blame my parents.’
Ingrid nodded, ‘It’s always a good call. So, if you have any questions, I guess I can help.’ She could not believe she was being won over so easily.
‘Thanks for the offer. I think I’d like to learn as I go. Steven is so uptight at the moment. I think I am happier about us than he is.’ She laughed again.
‘That doesn’t surprise me somehow,’ Ingrid mused. She ran a hand through her hair and cradled the tips with her hand. ‘I have to grab my things and then I’m going out with my dad. Isaac will be downstairs. It was nice chatting to you. By that way, stay away from the top floor, Emily is sick. No-one can help her.’
‘I gathered,’ Caitlin said. Her eyes glanced up.
Ingrid wondered how much she knew, probably everything. She was not surprised Steven had fallen in love with Caitlin. That was annoying.
Ingrid went into her room, grabbed her bag and sprayed some of her favourite scent on, she found it comforting. Then she made her way downstairs. The door to the room was shut now, she wondered what Caitlin was doing, either way she could not exactly tell C
aitlin what they were planning to do. She might like her, but she was not going to tell her everything.
Once downstairs, she found the garage. Eilif was already in the car, the engine running. She eased into the seat and dumped the bag by her feet.
‘Ready?’ Eilif asked, he glanced at the bag.
‘Yes,’ Ingrid replied.
After five minutes of driving, Ingrid said, ‘I talked to Caitlin.’
Eilif sounded surprised, as he replied, ‘And?’
‘She’s really nice. We should help her settle in. She has not done anything wrong,’ she paused. ‘I’m really sorry about my reaction. It was stupid. It won’t happen again. I’ll just get over Steven. I have to, right?’
‘Right, I knew you’d find a way to overcome your emotions. You were never the type to be led by the whimsical world of feelings,’ he chuckled.
Ingrid shook her head, her lips, like traitors, curled up. ‘No, feelings never used to trouble me in the past. I guess they find a way to get to everyone in the end. Whatever happens, at least I know I’m capable of falling in love.’
‘Yes,’ Eilif nodded. ‘I’m happy about that. I don’t want you to lead a lonely life, Ingrid. Your mother has been worried about you.’
‘Mum always worries, no matter what any of us do. It’s inbuilt.’
Eilif grinned, ‘Someday, when you become a mother you’ll understand. It’s so easy to judge when you have no experience.’
‘I guess,’ Ingrid shrugged her shoulders. ‘Where do we start?’
‘The university, it’s time to erase Caitlin.’
Ingrid felt sorry for Caitlin. She would never want to leave her family. It surprised her that Caitlin seemed so relaxed. She would miss her family if she was never able to see them again.
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Chapter 11
Unexpected Friendship
Steven did not know what to make of it. At first, he wondered if they were having a joke, but then he realised he wasn’t so lucky. From the way Caitlin and Ingrid were chatting, he realised they had become friends. They even giggled. In fact, he was beginning to feel like the outcast. Caitlin had barely spoken to him on the journey back, and then on the plane she had opted to watch movies or listen to music. Yet, as soon as they left the plane she hooked up next to Ingrid and they resumed their chatter as if they had been the best of friends all their lives.
It made him uncomfortable, and as far as he could see, neither of them seemed to care what he thought. It was strange. He had convinced himself he hated Ingrid. Yet now, as he saw her with the girl he loved, he realised perhaps he had misjudged her. After all, if Caitlin liked her, he guessed he might have been too harsh. The honest truth was he was jealous. He didn’t like the fact Caitlin paid less attention to him, and she seemed so excited about the community.
He just did not get it.
Now they had landed in Manaus, the wait was nearly over – the Amazon jungle waited. Soon Caitlin would be introduced. He could not help a sense of wariness overcoming him. Caitlin was acting all giddy, and Ingrid did not help matters as she described the community as some sort of utopia. He kept a straight face and hid his disgust.
Isaac had bundled Emily up in the wheelchair and was pushing her to the exit as fast as he could, without adopting an impossible pace. It was lucky Emily could not attack anyone. A few times she made some very loud and embarrassing hissing noises, it was lucky people were so stupid. Catherine would fob them off, and tell them she was mad. People are scared off easily.
Steven followed alongside Caitlin, Ingrid on the other side. They seemed to talk and talk, about what he had no idea. He had switched off ages ago.
When they finally got the luggage, they eased out of the arrivals lounge. It was no surprise when Steven saw Ian waiting. He gave Catherine an embrace and glanced in the direction of Caitlin. It was obvious he was thrown by the fact she was near enough glued to Ingrid’s side. He nodded in Steven’s direction, a twinkle in his eye.
Steven frowned, even Ian thought it was funny.
Ian extended his hand in Caitlin’s direction and gave her the biggest smile Steven had ever seen from the likes of Ian. ‘Caitlin, we meet again.’
Caitlin stretched out her hand and gave what looked like a firm handshake, ‘I remember you, but only just. You scared the hell out of me the first time we met.’ She let go of his hand and smirked, ‘I’m not scared of you anymore.’
Ian chuckled, ‘Really?’
‘Really.’ She stood her ground and raised her head in what looked like a definite challenge.
Ian blinked, did a double take, and then relaxed, ‘Good to know. Let’s get a move on.’ He lifted the blanket hiding Emily, and then grimaced, ‘We should get her back.’
A barely audible grunt muttered.
Ian had brought a minibus to greet them. Catherine lifted Emily up and placed her on the back seat, everyone else found a space and they were on the move again. The hustle and bustle of Manaus did not interest Steven any more, Caitlin did. He reached out for her hand and held it. Caitlin stopped chatting to Ingrid, turned to face him and squeezed his hand back.
‘You okay?’ he asked.
‘Why wouldn’t I be?’ Caitlin replied. ‘This is going to be great.’
Her smile was infectious, and he found his eyes relaxing as his lips naturally eased up. He nodded, as he replied, ‘I hope so.’
She tilted her head to the side, bit her lip slightly, and then turned back to Ingrid to resume the conversation.
At least she kept her hand in his.
When the port came into view a sense of déjà vu overcame him. All around people went about their frantic business. A series of fishing boats were scattered around the area and some makeshift shacks seemed to be selling the fresh catch of the day.
Ian dropped them off at the start of the right pontoon. Once everyone and everything was offloaded he mentioned he was going to take the minibus back. Steven guessed it was a rental. Isaac took charge and started directing people. Caitlin immediately offered to help and was busy grabbing bags. Steven followed suit and gave a hand. It was all too easy so far. He saw the way Caitlin glanced at people, but did not get distracted as Ingrid whispered something in her ear and Caitlin nodded and looked away. She was doing an amazing job at controlling her instinct. Whatever Ingrid said worked.
Steven could not help a feeling of inadequacy coming over him. It was supposed to be his help she turned to. Not once did he ever imagine she would turn to someone like Ingrid. He felt deflated. He lugged the bags towards the river cruise ship, which still looked as old and outdated as he remembered, and pushed the thoughts out of his mind.
Carmen greeted them with her usual flamboyancy. Caitlin immediately smiled and Carmen greeted her warmly. When Caitlin spoke to her in Spanish, Carmen melted even more. That was Caitlin – she had a way with people. She knew what to say all the time. After a series of disjointed conversations they got busy, and loaded everything on the ship. Catherine agreed to take responsibility for Emily, and disappeared, sister in tow, in search of a cabin.
Steven could not understand how it had been so easy for Caitlin to be accepted. He was happy about it, obviously. Yet, a part of him could not help being suspicious, or perhaps it was just plain old jealousy.
Once they set off, he eased up next to Caitlin, who had leaned over the edge of the barrier to look at the river, ‘Are you alright?’ Ingrid was not by her side for once, he was glad.
Caitlin replied in a sing song laugh, ‘Of course I am. Why do you keep asking?’ She gave a stern, but playful smirk.
Steven shook his head slightly, his cheeks flushed, ‘It’s stupid of me to worry, right?’
‘It IS, you catch on fast,’ Caitlin scoffed, a sneaky smirk on her face.
Steven pushed her hair off her face, and cupped her face, ‘I only want the best for you.’
Caitlin eased into his hand, and gave what he would class as her cute smile. He wanted to kiss her. Truth, it
felt like years since they had been intimate. He hesitated.
‘I know,’ her voice softened.
‘I’m not interrupting anything, am I?’ Ingrid chirped.
Steven wanted to tell her she had, but he did not get the chance as Caitlin cried out, ‘No, join us. So, tell me where we’re going?’
Steven felt affronted now, she could have asked him. But she didn’t, she asked Ingrid, her new buddy. ‘I’ll go find a cabin and chill out for a bit. See you later…’ he trailed, as he saw Caitlin was already in deep conversation, the brief time they shared a moment of the past. She laughed and waved him off dismissively.
Steven shuffled off and sulked. He could not figure out if she was playing hard to get, had genuinely become best friends with Ingrid, or she had just gone off him. Sometimes being a man was really tough, he had never understood girls. He thought Caitlin was different. He thought she was not like the others. Then again he was starting to realise he did not really know this Caitlin at all.
***
Ingrid noticed the way Steven’s shoulders slumped and her heart jumped for joy. She could not believe Caitlin actually ignored Steven in order to talk to her. It was a mystery. Ingrid would never choose someone else over Steven, ever. It took everything she had to resist the urge to run after him. Yet, she knew she had to play the game right. She could not let Caitlin see how much Steven meant to her. The truth was she really did like Caitlin, she liked her a lot, and she was not about to try to steal her boyfriend away when they had only just become friends.
Saying that, if Caitlin didn’t want to be with Steven, that was a different matter. Then he was open season, and there was no way Ingrid would let anyone in on him before she got her chance. It was all about timing.
Caitlin continued to ogle at everything, she reminded Ingrid of the children back in the community. Questions, they always had so many questions. Caitlin was no different. She wanted to know everything, and Ingrid was happy to oblige.
When the Solimões River and Rio Negro met, Caitlin got even more excited as the dark and light green colours eased alongside each other, stubborn in their quest to remain independent. When the colours finally merged she seemed to settle down. She stared into the distance, as she said, ‘Do you think I should go see Steven? I’ve got a feeling he was upset.’
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 70
